Implementation of foot thermometry plus mHealth to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

A registered trial from ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT02373592

Analyzed by M'lynda Owens 0 4914 Article rating: No rating

From the article abstract: 

BACKGROUND:
Diabetic foot neuropathy (DFN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus; its early diagnosis and intervention can prevent foot ulcers and the need for amputation. Thermometry, measuring the temperature of the feet, is a promising emerging modality for diabetic foot ulcer prevention. However, patient compliance with at-home monitoring is concerning. Delivering messages to remind patients to perform thermometry and foot care might be helpful to guarantee regular foot monitoring. This trial was designed to compare the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) between participants who receive thermometry alone and those who receive thermometry as well as mHealth (SMS and voice messaging) over a year-long study period.
METHODS/DESIGN:
This is an evaluator-blinded, randomized, 12-month trial. Individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged between 18-80 years, having a present dorsalis pedis pulse in both feet, are in risk group 2 or 3 using the diabetic foot risk classification system (as specified by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot), have an operating cell phone or a caregiver with an operating cell phone, and have the ability to provide informed consent will be eligible to participate in the study. Recruitment will be performed in diabetes outpatient clinics at two Ministry of Health tertiary hospitals in Lima, Peru.
INTERVENTIONS:
participants in both groups will receive education about foot care at the beginning of the study and they will be provided with a thermometry device (TempStat™). TempStat™ is a tool that captures a thermal image of the feet, which, depending on the temperature of the feet, shows different colors. In this study, if a participant notes a single yellow image or variance between one foot and the contralateral foot, they will be prompted to notify a nurse to evaluate their activity within the previous 2 weeks and make appropriate recommendations. In addition to thermometry, participants in the intervention arm will receive an mHealth component in the form of SMS and voice messages as reminders to use the thermometry device, and instructions to promote foot care.

The Mobile Insulin Titration Intervention (MITI) for Insulin Adjustment in an Urban, Low-Income Population: Randomized Controlled Trial

Article from the Journal of Medical Internet Research

Gathered by mFHAST 0 4330 Article rating: No rating

From the JMIR Article: "The goals of this pilot study were to (1) evaluate if our Mobile Insulin Titration Intervention (MITI) intervention using text messaging and phone calls was effective in helping patients reach their optimal insulin glargine dose within 12 weeks, (2) assess the feasibility of the intervention within our clinic setting and patient population, (3) collect data on the cost savings associated with the intervention, and (4) measure patient satisfaction with the intervention."

mFHAST Implications: Standards for insulin titration through SMS methods within underserved populations.

Diabetes Text-Message Self-Management Support Program (SMS4BG): A Pilot Study

An article published in the Journal of Medical Internet research (JMIR) 2015 Mar 25;3(1):e32. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.3988.

Analyzed by Pratibha Kavishwar 0 3170 Article rating: No rating

From the article objective: "To determine the usability and acceptability of SMS4BG among adults with poorly controlled diabetes."

mFHAST Implication: Opportunity to improve diabetes education, management, lifestyle factors (healthy eating, exercise, and stress management) and blood glucose monitoring reminders using SMS.

EbolaTracks: an automated SMS system for monitoring persons potentially exposed to Ebola virus disease

An article from the Euro Surveillance Bulletin

Gathered by mFHAST 0 1289 Article rating: No rating

From the Eurosurveillance article abstract: "Depending on an individual risk assessment, and with some variation between countries, passive or active monitoring is recommended for healthcare workers, household and community contacts of persons with Ebola Virus Disease, and in some instances, for travellers from Ebola Virus Disease-affected countries irrespective of a specific exposure history."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunity for use of SMS to effectively track and monitor people who have been exposed to virulent diseases  

Diabetes Self-Management Smartphone Application for Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial

An article from JMIR: doi: 10.2196/jmir.2588

Analyzed by M'lynda Owens 0 3058 Article rating: No rating

From the article abstract:

Methods

Patients were recruited through an online type 1 diabetes support group and letters mailed to adults with type 1 diabetes throughout Australia. In a 6-month intervention, followed by a three-month follow-up, patients (n=72) were randomized to usual care (control group) or usual care and the use of a smartphone application (Glucose Buddy) with weekly text-message feedback from a Certified Diabetes Educator (intervention group). All outcome measures were collected at baseline and every three months over the study period. Patients’ glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) were measured with a blood test and diabetes-related self-efficacy, self-care activities, and quality of life were measured with online questionnaires.

Results

The mean age of patients was 35.20 years (SD 10.43) (28 male, 44 female), 39% (28/72) were male, and patients had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for a mean of 18.94 years (SD 9.66). Of the initial 72 patients, 53 completed the study (25 intervention, 28 control group). The intervention group significantly improved glycemic control (HbA1c) from baseline (mean 9.08%, SD 1.18) to 9-month follow-up (mean 7.80%, SD 0.75), compared to the control group (baseline: mean 8.47%, SD 0.86, follow-up: mean 8.58%, SD 1.16). No significant change over time was found in either group in relation to self-efficacy, self-care activities, and quality of life.

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